Network Purpose The Anchorage 8 th Grade Math Network is dedicated to using data and mobilizing resources to build community capacity and enhance collaborative partner services to ensure that all of our 8 th graders are proficient in math, which will increase their critical thinking capacity and provide them with skills they need to participate meaningfully in their communities and be successful in life.

The Call to Action National research shows math skills are a gateway to 21 st century success for students and associated with higher rates of graduation, college completion and higher earning. In Anchorage, students who are proficient in 8 th grade math have a 25% higher graduation rate than their non-proficient peers. (87% vs 62% graduate). Yet, the achievement gaps in math proficiency are great: 23% for students of color vs. Caucasian students (57% vs. 80%) 30% for EDS vs. non-EDS students (51% vs. 81%) 35% for African American vs. Caucasian students (45% vs. 80%) 41% for NH/OPI vs. Caucasians (39% vs. 80%) 47% for LEP vs. non-LEP students (25% vs. 71%)

Math Proficiency is Flat

Network Research: Good Attendance Affects 8 th Grade Math Proficiency

Network Goals Long Term Goal: – By the year 2020, 90% of 8 th grade student in the Anchorage School District will be proficient in Math. Measure: Alaska State proficiency exam (AMP). Baseline: 67% *SBA* Short Term Goal: – By July 30, 2015, 85% of 8 th grade students at Central Middle School will attend school 90% of the time. Measure: ASD Attendance Rate Baseline: 69%

School Selection: Central Middle School 53% of students are EDS Only 69% of 8 th graders attend school 90% or more 60% of 8 th graders are proficient in math 34% achievement gap between EDS and non- EDS students. 36% achievement gap between students of color and Caucasian students. Network partners already working with students.

Who’s Involved? 15 youth service organizations – Boys and Girls Club – Girl Scouts – Campfire – Junior Achievement – YWCA – University – Heritage Center – School District – Museum – Library Corporate Involvement: – Exxon Alaska – Alaska Communications, Inc.

Network Projects/Next Steps 1)Elect Network and Project Chairs 2)Investigate bright spots/Build Relationship with School & other stakeholders 3)Create Data framework: building a foundation for common/shared measures 4)Action Team: STEM Volunteers – Building resiliency and relevancy (example) 5)Action Team: Loussac Place – family/school connections (example)